CHEVY PREVIEWS ELECTRIC EQUINOX AND BLAZER SUVS

SETTING THE STAGE

Like things new and unfamiliar, EVs started slow, with some manufacturers testing the waters with a model or two and most expressing disinterest at the moment. General Motors was early to the scene with the modern era’s first purpose-designed, mass-produced EVs from a major manufacturer—the somewhat oddly shaped GM EV1 from 1996 to ’99 and the fleet-focused Chevy S-10 Electric pickup in 1997 and ’98.

In 2010, Chevy launched the award-winning Volt as a 2011 model, a plug-in hybrid that increased its electric-only range from 38 to 53 miles throughout its nine-year run. The compact liftback garnered critical acclaim, including the highly coveted 2011 North American Car of the Year. Next came the Chevy Spark EV in 2013, followed by the Bolt EV in 2016, and the Bolt EUV in 2022.

Today, the electric car market has started to hit its stride, with the entire industry jumping onboard and technology and customer adoption advancing rapidly by the year. As an industry mainstay and one of America’s oldest automakers, Chevy recognizes its responsibility to help lead the way towards safer and more sustainable automobility, with GM chief marketing officer Deborah Wahl stating in her CES 2022 keynote, “we have an opportunity and, frankly, an obligation to create a better future for generations to come.”

THE NEXT GENERATION

Chevy has committed itself to greatly expanding its range of electric offerings to make EV ownership more practical and accessible for all drivers. And what better way to achieve that than electrified variants of the marque’s most popular nameplates. Last fall, Chevy announced it was starting work on an all-electric Chevy Silverado. And earlier this year, the company confirmed that it will add electric variants to two of its best-selling SUV, the Chevy Blazer in spring 2023 and the Chevy Equinox the following fall.

Being so early in development, Chevy is characteristically mum on specific details. But we do know that all Chevy electric models moving forward will leverage GM’s innovative Ultium platform. Built on a flexible battery architecture, Ultium enables extended ranges, quiet operation, and easy charging options, allowing drivers to more easily integrate an EV into their daily lifestyle. It also provides engaging performance, not only through rapid acceleration but also impressive driving dynamics. The Ultium platform allows for a lower center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution, resulting in stable and responsive handling and facilitating spirited driving.

The Equinox is Chevy’s top-selling SUV and one of the most popular models in the industry’s highest-volume segment. And with a targeted MSRP that’s not too far off the regular gas-powered model (~$30,000), it’s expected to become a major contributor towards helping more people make the switch to EVs.

Even less is currently known about the Blazer EV. However, Chevy recently released a teaser showing the SS badge, hinting that it could be looking to compete with current performance-focused EVs in the SUV segments.

SHOP THE LATEST CHEVY MODELS NEAR PINETOPS AND NASHVILLE, NC

Chevy’s EV future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for electric automobility. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the latest Chevy models, available options and financing offers, or current ordering opportunities, please reach out to Hubert Vester Chevrolet at your convenience. And if you’d like to try one for yourself, we invite you to visit our Chevy dealership in Wilson, NC, for a test drive. It will be our pleasure to assist you.